US20110187392A1 - Flow meter - Google Patents
Flow meter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110187392A1 US20110187392A1 US13/021,210 US201113021210A US2011187392A1 US 20110187392 A1 US20110187392 A1 US 20110187392A1 US 201113021210 A US201113021210 A US 201113021210A US 2011187392 A1 US2011187392 A1 US 2011187392A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flow meter
- electrical
- electrical resistor
- main body
- flexible electrical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R27/00—Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
- G01R27/02—Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant
- G01R27/08—Measuring resistance by measuring both voltage and current
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
- G01F1/20—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow
- G01F1/28—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by detection of dynamic effects of the flow by drag-force, e.g. vane type or impact flowmeter
Definitions
- the present invention relates to flow meters and more particularly to a meter for use in connection with the measurement of fluid flow in a piping system.
- Flow measurement in pipes is essential to many fluid processes. In many cases, flow measurement is needed after a piping system has been completed, and no flowmeter has been installed into the original pipework. Accordingly, flow measurement can be very difficult to obtain in existing pipework. Retrofitting of flowmeters is usually expensive. Typically, an ultrasonic flowmeter, which can measure the flow through the pipe walls, is secured to an exterior of the pipework. However, conventional ultrasonic flowmeters are expensive.
- the piping system contains small fittings formed along the piping in various locations.
- the fittings are typically used for filter differential pressure measurement and sampling of the fluid, for example.
- the fittings are 1 ⁇ 4′′ female pipe thread couplings.
- Parallel piping is present, and the flowrate in each leg of the piping is desired.
- Parallel piping may be present to accommodate multiple filter vessels, such as in airport fuel delivery systems.
- the flowrate through each individual filter is needed to provide data to properly correct the differential pressure of each filter in the bank of filters.
- the aviation fuel industry is in need of an automatic device for use in a fuel system to generate corrected differential pressures for the fluid flow of associated fuel filters.
- a flow meter comprises: a main body having a first end and a second end; a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor varies in response to a flexure thereof; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the electrical resistor to detect a flexure of the electrical resistor.
- an insertable deflection flow meter for a pipe comprises: a main body having a first end and a second end, the main body releasably coupled to the pipe; a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor is varied in response to a flexure thereof; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the electrical resistor to measure the electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor.
- the present invention also includes methods a method of measuring a flow velocity of a transient fluid.
- One method comprises the steps of: coupling a flow meter to a pipe, the flow meter including: a main body having a first end and a second end, the second end disposed in an interior of the pipe; and a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor is varied in response to a flexure thereof; passing a fluid through the pipe, the fluid causing the flexible electrical resistor to flex from a resting configuration; and sensing the flexure of the flexible electrical resistor.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a flowmeter embodying the concepts of the present invention for incorporation in an existing pipe of a fluid processing system;
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the flowmeter illustrated in FIG. 1 coupled to a wall of a pipe, with the pipe shown in section;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken from circle 3 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the flowmeter of FIGS. 1-3 illustrating a deflection of a flexible electrical resistor caused by a force of a transient fluid in an associated pipe, with the pipe shown in section;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken from circle 5 of FIG. 4 .
- FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a flow meter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the flow meter 10 includes a main body 12 (i.e. housing), a flexible electrical resistor 14 , and an electrical circuit 16 in electrical communication with the flexible electrical resistor 14 .
- the flow meter 10 can include additional components.
- the flow meter 10 is typically disposed within a fluid processing system (not shown). It is understood that the flow meter 10 can be coupled to or integrated with any system or fluid conduit.
- the main body 12 includes a first end 18 and a second end 20 .
- the main body 12 can include a threaded portion 22 (e.g. 0.25 inch National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT)) configured to engage an opening or female threaded region of a pipe 24 .
- NPT National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread
- the main body 12 can be disposed through an opening in a wall of a pipe 24 or a fluid conduit having a hollow interior for conducting a flow of a fluid therethrough.
- the second end 20 of the main body 12 is disposed within a hollow interior of the pipe 24 and the first end 18 is disposed adjacent an exterior of the pipe 24 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 is coupled to the main body 12 and configured to extend outwardly from the second end 20 of the main body 12 .
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 is a variable resister having a resistance that varies based upon a deflection thereof.
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 can be a plastic covered resistive component or a resistant ink deposited on a plastic substrate.
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 can be similar to the variable resistors illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,157,372 and 5,309,135, hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 includes a structural backing 26 or backing spring coupled thereto.
- the structural backing 26 extends along at least a portion of a length of the flexible electrical resistor 14 .
- the structural backing 26 can be formed from any material having an elastic quality such as a plastic for example.
- the mechanical characteristics of a material used to form the structural backing 26 are tailored to a specific expected flow velocity of a fluid passing by the flexible electrical resistor 14 .
- the electrical circuit 16 is in electrical communication with the flexible electrical resistor 14 and is typically disposed at the first end 18 of the main body 12 .
- the electrical circuit 16 includes circuit parameters (e.g. components and configurations) capable of converting a flexure of the flexible electrical resistor 14 to electrical units including at least one of a current, a frequency, and a voltage.
- circuit parameters e.g. components and configurations
- an electrical signal can be applied to the flexible electrical resistor 14 , wherein a change in the electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor 14 due to a flexure of the same would create a measurable change in the electrical signal applied to the flexible electrical resistor 14 .
- the electrical signal applied to the flexible electrical resistor 14 can be monitored to determine a flexure of the flexible electrical resistor 14 .
- other circuit parameters and methods of determining flexure of the flexible electrical resistor 14 can be used, as appreciated by one skilled in the art.
- the flow meter 10 including the arrangement of the flexible electrical resistor 14 with the structural backing 26 is mounted into a coupling of the pipe 24 .
- the flexible electrical resistor 14 and the structural backing 26 define a “protruding finger”, which extends into an interior of the pipe 24 .
- a flow of fluid through the pipe 24 causes the arrangement of the flexible electrical resistor 14 with the structural backing 26 to deflect.
- the electrical circuit 16 provides an output as a function of a flow velocity of the flow of fluid for conversion/transfer of the output to appropriate readouts for user interaction.
- the flow velocity of the fluid can be converted to a flowrate using an inside diameter of the pipe 24 at turbulent flow levels, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. It is understood that the arrangement of the flexible electrical resistor 14 with the structural backing 26 will return to a “zero” or normal at rest configuration (i.e. resting configuration) level when the flow of fluid is not present.
Abstract
Description
- This application is entitled to the benefit of, and claims priority to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/301,445 filed Feb. 4, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to flow meters and more particularly to a meter for use in connection with the measurement of fluid flow in a piping system.
- Flow measurement in pipes is essential to many fluid processes. In many cases, flow measurement is needed after a piping system has been completed, and no flowmeter has been installed into the original pipework. Accordingly, flow measurement can be very difficult to obtain in existing pipework. Retrofitting of flowmeters is usually expensive. Typically, an ultrasonic flowmeter, which can measure the flow through the pipe walls, is secured to an exterior of the pipework. However, conventional ultrasonic flowmeters are expensive.
- In most cases, the piping system contains small fittings formed along the piping in various locations. The fittings are typically used for filter differential pressure measurement and sampling of the fluid, for example. In many cases, the fittings are ¼″ female pipe thread couplings.
- To measure a flowrate easily and inexpensively is desirable for a variety of reasons. In some cases, parallel piping is present, and the flowrate in each leg of the piping is desired. Parallel piping may be present to accommodate multiple filter vessels, such as in airport fuel delivery systems. For proper assessment of each filter, the flowrate through each individual filter is needed to provide data to properly correct the differential pressure of each filter in the bank of filters.
- The aviation fuel industry is in need of an automatic device for use in a fuel system to generate corrected differential pressures for the fluid flow of associated fuel filters.
- Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a flow meter has been developed which may be economically produced and thence capable of being readily inserted in an existing piping systems used in the aviation fuel industry, for example.
- In one embodiment, a flow meter comprises: a main body having a first end and a second end; a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor varies in response to a flexure thereof; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the electrical resistor to detect a flexure of the electrical resistor.
- In another embodiment, an insertable deflection flow meter for a pipe, the flow meter comprises: a main body having a first end and a second end, the main body releasably coupled to the pipe; a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor is varied in response to a flexure thereof; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the electrical resistor to measure the electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor.
- The present invention also includes methods a method of measuring a flow velocity of a transient fluid.
- One method comprises the steps of: coupling a flow meter to a pipe, the flow meter including: a main body having a first end and a second end, the second end disposed in an interior of the pipe; and a flexible electrical resistor coupled to the main body and extending outwardly from the second end thereof, wherein an electrical resistance of the flexible electrical resistor is varied in response to a flexure thereof; passing a fluid through the pipe, the fluid causing the flexible electrical resistor to flex from a resting configuration; and sensing the flexure of the flexible electrical resistor.
- The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a flowmeter embodying the concepts of the present invention for incorporation in an existing pipe of a fluid processing system; -
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the flowmeter illustrated inFIG. 1 coupled to a wall of a pipe, with the pipe shown in section; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken fromcircle 3 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the flowmeter ofFIGS. 1-3 illustrating a deflection of a flexible electrical resistor caused by a force of a transient fluid in an associated pipe, with the pipe shown in section; and -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view taken fromcircle 5 ofFIG. 4 . - The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.
-
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate aflow meter 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, theflow meter 10 includes a main body 12 (i.e. housing), a flexibleelectrical resistor 14, and anelectrical circuit 16 in electrical communication with the flexibleelectrical resistor 14. It is understood that theflow meter 10 can include additional components. Theflow meter 10 is typically disposed within a fluid processing system (not shown). It is understood that theflow meter 10 can be coupled to or integrated with any system or fluid conduit. - The
main body 12 includes afirst end 18 and asecond end 20. As a non-limiting example, themain body 12 can include a threaded portion 22 (e.g. 0.25 inch National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread (NPT)) configured to engage an opening or female threaded region of apipe 24. As a further non-limiting example, themain body 12 can be disposed through an opening in a wall of apipe 24 or a fluid conduit having a hollow interior for conducting a flow of a fluid therethrough. Typically, thesecond end 20 of themain body 12 is disposed within a hollow interior of thepipe 24 and thefirst end 18 is disposed adjacent an exterior of thepipe 24, as shown inFIG. 2 . - The flexible
electrical resistor 14 is coupled to themain body 12 and configured to extend outwardly from thesecond end 20 of themain body 12. The flexibleelectrical resistor 14 is a variable resister having a resistance that varies based upon a deflection thereof. As a non-limiting example, the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 can be a plastic covered resistive component or a resistant ink deposited on a plastic substrate. As a further non-limiting example, the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 can be similar to the variable resistors illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,157,372 and 5,309,135, hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - In certain embodiments, the flexible
electrical resistor 14 includes astructural backing 26 or backing spring coupled thereto. Thestructural backing 26 extends along at least a portion of a length of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14. Thestructural backing 26 can be formed from any material having an elastic quality such as a plastic for example. As a further non-limiting example, the mechanical characteristics of a material used to form thestructural backing 26 are tailored to a specific expected flow velocity of a fluid passing by the flexibleelectrical resistor 14. - The
electrical circuit 16 is in electrical communication with the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 and is typically disposed at thefirst end 18 of themain body 12. Theelectrical circuit 16 includes circuit parameters (e.g. components and configurations) capable of converting a flexure of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 to electrical units including at least one of a current, a frequency, and a voltage. One skilled in the art would understand that an electrical signal can be applied to the flexibleelectrical resistor 14, wherein a change in the electrical resistance of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 due to a flexure of the same would create a measurable change in the electrical signal applied to the flexibleelectrical resistor 14. Accordingly, the electrical signal applied to the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 can be monitored to determine a flexure of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14. However, other circuit parameters and methods of determining flexure of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 can be used, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. - In use, the
flow meter 10 including the arrangement of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 with thestructural backing 26 is mounted into a coupling of thepipe 24. The flexibleelectrical resistor 14 and thestructural backing 26 define a “protruding finger”, which extends into an interior of thepipe 24. As shown inFIGS. 4-5 , a flow of fluid through thepipe 24 causes the arrangement of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 with thestructural backing 26 to deflect. Theelectrical circuit 16 provides an output as a function of a flow velocity of the flow of fluid for conversion/transfer of the output to appropriate readouts for user interaction. The flow velocity of the fluid can be converted to a flowrate using an inside diameter of thepipe 24 at turbulent flow levels, as appreciated by one skilled in the art. It is understood that the arrangement of the flexibleelectrical resistor 14 with thestructural backing 26 will return to a “zero” or normal at rest configuration (i.e. resting configuration) level when the flow of fluid is not present. - From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/021,210 US20110187392A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2011-02-04 | Flow meter |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US30144510P | 2010-02-04 | 2010-02-04 | |
US13/021,210 US20110187392A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2011-02-04 | Flow meter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110187392A1 true US20110187392A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
Family
ID=44341060
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/021,210 Abandoned US20110187392A1 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2011-02-04 | Flow meter |
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Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2292549A (en) * | 1940-02-23 | 1942-08-11 | Jr Edward E Simmons | Material testing apparatus |
US2539892A (en) * | 1947-05-14 | 1951-01-30 | Foxboro Co | Pressure measuring device |
US2974525A (en) * | 1953-09-08 | 1961-03-14 | Jr Howard W Cole | Flowmeter with specific gravity compensator |
US3425280A (en) * | 1966-09-13 | 1969-02-04 | Marine Ind Inc | Electronic instrument for measuring fluid flow past fluid pressure sensing means |
US4862750A (en) * | 1987-02-11 | 1989-09-05 | Nice Gerald J | Vortex shedding fluid velocity meter |
US5157372A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1992-10-20 | Langford Gordon B | Flexible potentiometer |
US5309135A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1994-05-03 | Langford Gordon B | Flexible potentiometer in a horn control system |
US6581458B1 (en) * | 1997-08-07 | 2003-06-24 | Tuthill Corporation | Precalibrated flow meter with airflow compensator |
US7607435B2 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2009-10-27 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Gas or liquid flow sensor |
-
2011
- 2011-02-04 US US13/021,210 patent/US20110187392A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2292549A (en) * | 1940-02-23 | 1942-08-11 | Jr Edward E Simmons | Material testing apparatus |
US2539892A (en) * | 1947-05-14 | 1951-01-30 | Foxboro Co | Pressure measuring device |
US2974525A (en) * | 1953-09-08 | 1961-03-14 | Jr Howard W Cole | Flowmeter with specific gravity compensator |
US3425280A (en) * | 1966-09-13 | 1969-02-04 | Marine Ind Inc | Electronic instrument for measuring fluid flow past fluid pressure sensing means |
US4862750A (en) * | 1987-02-11 | 1989-09-05 | Nice Gerald J | Vortex shedding fluid velocity meter |
US5157372A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1992-10-20 | Langford Gordon B | Flexible potentiometer |
US5309135A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1994-05-03 | Langford Gordon B | Flexible potentiometer in a horn control system |
US6581458B1 (en) * | 1997-08-07 | 2003-06-24 | Tuthill Corporation | Precalibrated flow meter with airflow compensator |
US7607435B2 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2009-10-27 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Gas or liquid flow sensor |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VELCON FILTERS, LLC, COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STEVENS, JED BABBINGTON;SPRENGER, GREGORY SCOTT;GISH, MICHAEL J.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110228 TO 20110301;REEL/FRAME:025979/0510 |
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Owner name: BNP PARIBAS, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: GRANT OF PATENT SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VELCON FILTERS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:028541/0395 Effective date: 20120430 |
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Owner name: VELCON FILTERS, LLC, COLORADO Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:BNP PARIBAS;REEL/FRAME:029291/0683 Effective date: 20121101 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |